He said that Ireland was first offered help by the European Commissioner for crisis management last Wednesday, days before the storm hit the country, and that the Government did not respond until days later.
Mr Martin said that the issue has been “completely overplayed”, and that some of those involved in helping to organise and restore power have been “frustrated” by the reports.
“I think this is completely overplayed, if I’m honest, in terms of the enormity and scale of the response to the storm,” Mr Martin said.
Speaking to reporters in Kiltoom, outside Athlone in Co Roscommon, Mr Martin said that there will be political accountability when the Dail returns next week.
Micheal Martin said it is not his understanding that there was a significant delay in requesting help, including generators and additional crews, from the EU.
